Is Aurora or Boulder Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boulder is safer than Aurora (Safety Score 19/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100,000 versus 4,053 for Aurora — 25% lower. Aurora has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 3.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, CO
Boulder, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Boulder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,052.5 | 3,055.3 | +997.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 948.6 | 322.3 | +626.3 |
| Murder Rate | 10.3 | 0.0 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 73.4 | 35.2 | +38.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 136.2 | 44.7 | +91.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 727.9 | 242.4 | +485.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,103.9 | 2,733.0 | +370.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 371.2 | 383.1 | -11.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,836.1 | 2,141.7 | -305.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 896.6 | 208.2 | +688.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Boulder safer?
Boulder is safer with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100K vs 4,053 for Aurora — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 948.6 per 100K while Boulder has 322.3. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado, a large city spanning three counties, was originally founded in the 1880s as a dry community named Fletcher. It is now the third most populous city in Colorado, with a diverse suburban landscape east of Denver. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 397,852, Aurora has a total crime rate of 4,052.5 per 100,000 residents.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 per 100,000 residents.